2,392 mile test drive, 2011 Prius 3

that was smart to rent one. sounds about right, although, i don't have any of those negatives. you should rent a hycam, but also expensive. to each his own, all the best!

 

I've always wondered about the leg/waist height, perhaps arm length too, of those who find the seats uncomfortable. I certainly don't.

Hatchback visibility isn't for those who drive solely using the rearview mirror. You should be using the sides anyway. But with some sedans, you can get by without.

As for the speedometer, polarized sunglasses will do that. Regular sunglasses are fine.

 

Did you check tire pressure before embarking on the trip? Even the manufacturer specified level is too low for good handling. Higher tire pressure helps a ton as do larger wheels.

The seats are not the best. I agree there.

 

i had a feeling you were tall, that's who most of the complaints come from.

 

I'd say half of your complaints are valid with my experience. But none are a deal breaker for me. I understood that by getting a Prius, I would have to sacrifice certain things...which I did.

Galaxy Nexus ? 2

 

Weird. I toss mine around sharp country roads without a problem. Well, you could always toss on a set of 17" wheels and a rear sway bar. That should fix things for you and be cheaper than buying a Five. If tha is not enough then you could add a set of Eibach lowering springs to really tighten things up.

Don't know what to do about the seats. My right leg gets sore during long trips. I'm 6'2.75"

 

I was thinking the 4 for ability to adjust seats. Not sure were you looking for us to sell you on the vehicle? I'm, 6', but "big frame". My wife is 5'2" and small frame and bad back and knees and has no problem with the car... We have no problem with the seats but if you are looking for options... try that...

I'm a little old fashioned with tires, you could try performance tires or different tread. What did the car that you drove have on it? I have the low resistance ecopia's and they are fine with me... I did notice a problem with handling since the dealer lowered the tires to 35psi (haven't put them back to 40 yet... been a couple of weeks...).

 

The Prius is not a "road car" -- it is wise you test drove one even with previous experience. When I first drove mine I almost put it in the grass on a ramp.

The car is a compromise and it is important that buyers understand this -- especially those looking for a smaller economy car and never having owned one.

 

Prius 5 would address the slow steering (one turn less lock to lock) and the poor handling. I agree the seats are none to good, I just returned from a 5K mile trip and 500 or 600 miles in a day is a bit to much in this car, it is better than the Gen2 though.

The Prius is not a sport sedan and not a very good touring car, I don't plan to buy another.

2013 Ford Fusion (or Lincoln MKZ) looks promising and the hybrid version is rumored to get better mileage than the Camry hybrid.

 

rented a fusion in cali for a week. poor man's camry.

 

I agree with most of your findings but i wanted a hatchback and a well made car, with good mpg. I bought the prius III and have no regrets. I have never found a car that impressed me in all areas. Now if i was willing to spend over 50 large maybe ,but i doubt it. One of my relatives bought a new Mercedes and brought it back 2 days later for a refund, then bought and kept a Honda accord. Another drives nothing but Toyota avalons. It is really to each their own and what they like. I will just sit in the corner with my Prius III thank you.

 

With similar options they cost about the same. The 2013 Fusion is a complete redesign and may or may not be as "good" as a Camry.

 

JH Knight, I'd wish you'd stay around. You made good points, but I think you know that when you walk into a fan site and tell them their hero is no good, then you are indeed poking a stick about.

My first opinion is that you're right. If the car isn't right for you, definitely don't buy it. My understanding is that the upscale seat package has much more comfortable seats. I'm not crazy about Prius for long trips. When we drive 400+ miles to Disneyland, we take the gas-hogging Honda Odyssey, and everyone enjoys the comfort of a first class airplane. But I would hate to commute to work by minivan, I tried it, and that big heavy vehicle is no fun in dense traffic.

 

Yes, but the dash reflects soo much light unto the windshield that polarized sunglasses are needed. Also, the speedo is polarized at a DIFFERENT angle than sunglasses are. Very BAD design!

 

Buy Ray-bans. They work great and you'll look a lot cooler.

 

Ray-Bans don't solve the problem (they only lighten your wallet).

• First, typical Sun Glasses only darken the image. They avoid eye strain by reducing the need for your iris to close. But they don't cut gare. Also, but cutting down the light they make the speedometer harder to read.
• Polarized lenses do help (yes Ray-Ban offers them too) - but the poor design of the Prius speedometer and Nav screen are not compatible with polarized glasses.

"Ray-Bans" apparently are all about VANITY - I am concerned about driving safety and comfort.